Johnny Russell

Born: January 23, 1940 Sunflower County, MS, USA

Johnny Russell, who once described himself as "a little ol' country songwriter," was transplanted from the Mississippi delta to California when he was 12 years old. He always loved music, though, and began singing and writing songs at a young age. He put out many records, and one of his most notable songs is "Act Naturally," a song that he co-wrote with Voni Morrison. Buck Owens made the song a smash hit in 1963, and Ringo Starr sang it with the Beatles in 1965, again making it a huge hit. In 1973, Russell was nominated for a Grammy with the hit "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer." This song went to No. 4, and made Johnny Russell a household name in the early 70's. He joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry a decade later, and was a huge success with his joking demeanor. He wrote the No. 1 George Strait his "Let's Fall to Pieces Together," as well as the No. 1 Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Rondstadt hit "Making Plans."

Instruments Played / Skills: Songwriter Vocals Guitar Genres: Conventional Country

Johnny Russell Has Worked With: Marvin Rainwater